Project Overview

Tate presents eight curated homes in Kew’s exclusive Sackville Ward, brought to you by ANGLE in collaboration with leading design firms CS-A and Eckersley Gardens, along with market leading European appliances from Gaggenau and custom-designed wardrobes from furniture pioneer Poliform. Tate is, simply put, a project of flawless artistry, similar to the place of its namesake – the Tate Modern in London. Cera Stribley Architects was inspired not only by the gallery’s history and prominence in the international art scene, but also by the residences that surround it in London’s rich architectural landscape. Kew’s own Tate aligns with London’s distinctive style of residential design, known for elements of symmetry, traditional proportioning and strong masonry.

Organisation

ANGLE

Team

Developer: ANGLE & BuxtonGroup
Architects: Cera Stribley Architects
Landscapes: Eckersley Garden Architecture
Creative: Earl.St
Renders: Stab Studio

Project Brief

One of the last remaining blocks in this tightly held heritage precinct made way for the opportunity to create something truly unique while paying homage to the rich history of this Gold Rush precinct. ANGLE’s brief to Cera Stribley Architects was to be respectful of the neighbouring heritage homes while ensuring the townhomes were crafted with a modern, innovative twist. As such, the architects drew much of their inspiration from the Edwardian, angular roof forms prevalent throughout Kew. Tate’s architecture depicts a composition of angular formations, bringing a dynamic energy not only to the façade, but to the internal spaces within each home. These interior angles offer a strong sense of entry to each residence; really emphasising that feeling of ‘coming home’.

Project Innovation/Need

With its striking angular form, Tate has pushed boundaries with its design, and is starkly unique compared to other recent townhouse developments. Elegantly integrating high-end, single-dwelling design features that are rarely found in a townhome, Tate’s eight residences introduce a calibre of contemporary, luxury living that Kew is yet to see. Some of these features include Poliform Robes imported from Italy, Gaggenau appliances in the kitchen and private lifts in each residence. The brickwork and strong masonry that is synonymous with heritage homes in Kew is something that was important to capture. As opposed to other townhouses that generally specify brickwork to a minimal area of the design, Tate has incorporated hand made bricks throughout the entirety of the development.

Design Challenge

The key challenge was sourcing the bricks and ascertaining the most functional manner in which to build the Tate Modern inspired façade. Given this was the ‘hero’ element of the design, we initially spent a lot of time with the design team and the builders. This included looking across the globe for the perfect bricks – ones with sufficient texture and a level of discrepancy. Furthermore, because we decided we wanted to use the bricks throughout the exterior, we also had the obvious challenge of using the bricks as a roofing material on the pitched façade. The builders and design team spent a lot of time researching and consulting as a group to ensure this detail could be built efficiently, which allowed us to succeed with this in the long term.

Sustainability

Ensuring we met and exceeded sustainability requirements was at the forefront of our minds during Tate’s conception. Some of the measures we have incorporated include high performance thermal envelopes with concrete slabs, high efficiency LED artificial lighting throughout, motion detector controlled lighting in common areas and water efficient fixtures. All of the development’s living and bedroom areas are naturally cross ventilated with windows on opposite or adjacent façade. Water is also collected from the upper roof, and is directed to the 12kL rainwater tank connected to all townhouse toilets and landscape irrigation. Additionally, Tate has a walk Score of 72 and is a three minute walk from the 109 tram which travels from Port Melbourne to Box Hill.